Allan Albaitis is not simply an artist who has chosen firefighting as his subject matter. He is a decorated veteran combat firefighter who creates art inspired by his profession.
Since 1982, Albaitis has been a firefighter with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue. His professional achievements include 1989 and 1999 nominations and 2000 finalist for the distinguished Firefighter of the Year Award. In 1997, along with his crew from Engine Company #6 and Rescue 3, he received a Unit Citation of Valor and Special Congressional Recognition for Heroism and Valor "above and beyond the call of duty" for a dramatic structure fire rescue of a 62-year-old woman.
Albaitis' many design achievements include the State of Nevada Professional Firefighter license plate, the LVFR's Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Badge, and the globally recognized "Card Patch" that has graced the shoulders of all uniformed LVFR personnel for many years.
Applying his background in art and painting, Albaitis burst onto the scene of emerging artists with the series of prints entitled NO GREATER LOVE. The collection began with such inspiring pieces as the powerful ''Return to Glory'', the thunderous ''Guardians'', the futuristic ''Millennium Challenge'', and the wall-of-fire heart-stopper ''Earth Angels'', just to mention a few. It continued with the long-awaited ''Guardians II – Sunrise'', and the magnificent pair of paintings ''American Grace'' and ''Some Gave All'', his personal tributes to the sacrifices of 9/11. Collectors as far away as Sweden, Ireland, Germany, and the Virgin Islands have purchased Albaitis' work.
In 2003 the work of firefighter Albaitis caught the eye of the world renowned Bradford Exchange. The first undertaking was a three-plate addition to a collectible entitled ''Visions of Valor''. A second project ''Maltese Cross: Badge of Bravery'' debuted in early 2006.
In February of 2004, the FX Network was permitted to use prints of the art of Firefighter Albaitis as part of the firehouse set on the drama/comedy series, ''Rescue Me''. For his contribution, Allan received a personal thank you from Mr. Dennis Leary, the Show’s producer and lead actor.
Today, after 25 years of service to LVFR, Allan's recognition and body of work continues to expand. Additions to the NO GREATER LOVE series now include ''The Fog of War'', ''Tougher Than Hell'', ''Santa Ana'', ''Thunderball'', a tribute to wildland firefighting ''After Midnight'', and many more. Posters and prints from the series continue to garner popular demand; and will, once again, be used in upcoming ''Rescue Me'' episodes.
Gallery quality reproductions of Mr. Albaitis’ artwork are available as signed and numbered limited editions, as well as signed open edition giclées. Each stunning piece is technically superb, emotionally connected, and shot from the heart. The collection offers an intimate glimpse into the heroic world of the professional firefighter.
With this series, the world of fire and rescue art has been turned on its heels. Allan Albaitis' work transcends any firefighter art to date.
Be sure to watch for more outstanding works by Allan Albaitis. |
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